THE SETTLEMENT PROCESS OF CATHOLIC MIGRANT COMPATRIOTS IN THỦ DẦU MỘT - BÌNH DƯƠNG PROVINCE FROM 1954 TO 1957

Abstract

After 1954, Thủ Dầu Một - Bình Dương became one of the key areas in southern Vietnam for receiving and organizing the settlement of northern migrants, the majority of whom were Catholic communities originating from Hải Phòng. This study applies the historical method combined with archival analysis, based on materials collected from the National Archives Center No. II. The article focuses on clarifying the formation and stabilization of settlement villages and camps of this community during the period 1954 - 1957. The findings indicate that the settlement process was carried out under the organization of local authorities, beginning with the establishment of settlement units in late 1954, followed by the gradual stabilization of livelihoods, organizational consolidation, and administrative legalization during 1955 - 1957. Due to specific administrative characteristics, the localization of these settlements occurred in two phases, corresponding to units under the former Thủ Dầu Một Province and the newly established Bình Dương Province. In addition, the migrant Catholic community adopted a mixed-village model to adapt to the new environment while maintaining their religious life and traditional cultural values. This study contributes to supplementing historical sources and clarifying the characteristics of the settlement process of northern Catholic migrants in Southeast Vietnam during this period.